Songwe Border United Near Super League Promotion After Victory
Karonga-based Songwe Border United boosted their promotion chances with a hard-fought 3-2 away victory against Ekwaiweni Tafika in the NRFA Simso Mzuzu 12 Sponsors League on Sunday at Ekwendeni.
Thomson Manyowa opened the scoring for the visitors with a well-curved free kick just seven minutes into the game. Despite dominating possession, Ekwaiweni Tafika squandered eight clear chances through Pearson Mbizi, Brian Mbunge, and Lusekero Mhango. The visitors held a slender lead going into halftime.
Early in the second half, a defensive blunder gave Songwe’s Given Mwandira an opportunity to unleash a thunderous shot. Ekwaiweni Tafika goalkeeper Kalagho fumbled the ball, resulting in a goal and prompting his substitution minutes later. Mphatso Kumwenda pulled one back for the home team in the 56th minute, reigniting hope for a comeback. However, another defensive lapse allowed Richard Cheyo to restore Songwe’s two-goal advantage in the 64th minute.
Pearson Mbizi scored a second for Ekwaiweni Tafika in the 71st minute, but the visitors held firm, even missing a sitter in added time. The match ended 3-2 in favor of Songwe Border United.
Post-Match Reactions
Songwe Border United coach Gift Chilongo was thrilled with the outcome.
“It was a tough game. Our opponents, being at the bottom of the table, were desperate for a result. This win means we are almost there,” said a visibly excited Chilongo.
Meanwhile, Ekwaiweni Tafika’s coach, Omega Mhone, attributed the loss to defensive errors and missed opportunities.
“We lacked composure in the box, missing several clear chances, and gave away silly goals that cost us the game. However, we’ve learned lessons in our inaugural last-eight phase and hope to finish on a good note,” Mhone stated.
League Standings and Upcoming Fixtures
The win leaves Songwe Border United needing just one point from their final two games to secure Super League promotion. Their closest rivals, Chintheche United, were eliminated from contention after losing 1-0 to Benjamin Mapunda’s lone strike at Chilumba Barracks in Karonga. Raiply FC moved into second place after a vital 2-0 win against Eagle Strikers, courtesy of two goals from Zakaria Mphamba.
League action resumes on Wednesday, with log leaders Songwe Border United traveling to face Chintheche United in Chiwaza, needing just a draw to confirm their promotion. Meanwhile, Lube Masters will host Eagle Strikers at Chibavi in a crucial match for mid-table positioning.
